Most disposable plastic containers are now labeled with a code number (from 1 to 9) indicating the type or quality of...

mprezzy April 26, 2020

C over D

If the lower codes are more expensive than higher, isn’t it logical to say that more people would purchase the higher code products which would not allow a long term reduction in the amount that is not recycled? I get what C is saying, the plastic already recycled will have a higher code than before and is less likely to be recycled again but how is C a better option to weaken than D? They both end with higher not making a significant difference. Please help.

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Ravi April 27, 2020

@mprezzy,

Let's look at (C) and (D).

(D) says, "Products packaged in plastics with the lowest code numbers
are often more expensive than those packaged in the higher numbered
plastics."

The problem with (D) is that cost does not matter. What we care about
is what effect buying lower-numbered plastics would have on the amount
of trash. Thus, (D) is out.

(C) says, "A plastic container almost always has a higher code number
after it is recycled than it had before recycling because the
recycling process causes a degradation of the quality of the plastic."

(C) looks great. The conclusion claimed that buying only
lower-numbered stuff would keep plastic out of landfills in the long
run. If it turns out that lower-numbered stuff becomes higher-numbered
as it's recycled, then that plan is not going to have any effect other
than stopping people from buying recycled plastics, which doesn't
sound good. Thus, (C) is the correct answer choice.

Does this make sense? Let us know if you have any other questions!

mprezzy April 27, 2020

@Ravi thank you. I did not identify the conclusion correctly, and that lead me to the wrong answer. Thanks again.